Doodling, Mandalas, and Zentangle®: What’s the Difference?
If you’re new to pattern drawing, all these terms can sound a bit confusing. So let’s put them in order.
1. Doodling — The Original Classic
Doodling is probably where it all begins.
It’s what happens when your pen starts moving almost by itself.
You’re on the phone.
You’re sitting in a meeting.
Or you’re doing what many of us did in school: decorating the margins of our notebooks instead of listening to the teacher. 😄
Flowers, stars, swirls, little hearts, and shapes with no particular purpose.
That’s doodling.
Just drawing for fun.
2. Mandalas — Circles with Meaning
Mandalas are circular designs built around a central point.
The word mandala comes from Sanskrit and means “circle.”
Mandalas have been used for centuries in Hindu and Buddhist traditions as spiritual symbols representing balance, harmony, and the universe.
Today, many people draw mandalas simply because they are relaxing and visually satisfying. If you love symmetry, mandalas can be wonderfully calming.
3. Paisley — The Elegant Classic
Before Zentangle® became popular, decorative patterns were already everywhere.
One beautiful example is Paisley.
Paisley is the name of that distinctive teardrop-shaped motif you’ve probably seen on fabrics, scarves, wallpaper, and notebooks. The design has ancient roots in Persia and India and became especially popular in Europe during the 19th century.
If you look closely, Paisley designs are often filled with smaller patterns, swirls, and decorative details.
In a way, they are like tiny works of pattern art inside a larger shape.
4. Zentangle® — A Structured Drawing Method
Zentangle® is a registered trademark.
It refers to a drawing method created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
The method uses repetitive patterns, specific materials, and a step-by-step approach designed to encourage focus and relaxation.
Within the Zentangle® community, patterns are often given names and shared with step-by-step instructions. But that doesn’t mean the patterns themselves are “owned.”
Many are inspired by designs found in fabrics, tiles, architecture, and decorative art from cultures around the world.
These kinds of patterns have existed long before the internet — and long before anyone thought of giving them catchy names.
The internet simply made it easier for artists to share them with each other.
Zen Doodles, Zendalas, and Other “Zen” Names
Because Zentangle® is a registered trademark, many artists use alternative terms such as:
- Zen Doodles
- Zendalas
- Zen Art
- Zen Patterns
These names are often used for artwork inspired by doodling, mandalas, paisley, and Zentangle®.
As the term Zentangle® became widely known, many people started using it as a general word for relaxing pattern art—similar to how people say “Google it” when they simply mean “search online.”
They are also usually created in a much freer format—not limited to the classic 3.5 × 3.5 inch (9 × 9 cm) tile. Artists may work in sketchbooks, journals, large sheets of paper, greeting cards, or digital art.
Doodling, mandalas, Zentangle®-inspired art, or simply creative pattern drawing.
🤔 Which One Is Best?
The one you enjoy the most.
Whether you love spontaneous doodles, symmetrical mandalas, structured Zentangle®-inspired art, or a mix of all three, the real goal is the same:
To relax, create, and enjoy the process.
📚 A Pattern Library for All of Them
No matter what you call your style, patterns are wonderfully versatile.
In The Big Pattern Collection 1 & 2, you’ll find a hand-drawn library of patterns that can be used for:
- Doodling
- Mandalas
- Zentangle®-inspired art
- Zen Doodles
- Journaling
- Decorative borders
- And countless other creative projects
Because in the end, the label doesn’t matter.
The joy of creating does. ✨
